THU 2/10 A

Learning experience Seems just...

February 10, 2005|By Jessica Volpe.

THU 2/10

A learning experience

Seems just yesterday that we were recovering from that wicked hangover on New Year's Day. But now another celebration has rolled around--Chinese New Year! But this time, we'll be celebrating with food instead of drink. Ben Pao gets into the spirit of the year of the rooster with Asian Fusion: Art and Food. This four-course wine dinner and lecture focuses on Chinese art and is given by Robin Schnur of the Art Institute of Chicago. 6 p.m. $47.03 (price reflects the Chinese calendar year). Reservations required. 52 W. Illinois St. 312-222-1888.

Get sloppy (kisses)

We're not sure why Le Passage chose to name this party French Kiss Night--perhaps the anticipation of Valentine's Day is just too much to bear all at once. Or maybe they just want to spread the love with $8 cocktails and dance and hip-hop tunes from DJ Jernell Geronimo. We like the Mon Ami-tini: Effen Black Cherry vodka, triple sec, 7-Up, and cranberry and pineapple juices. Show up from 8 to 9 p.m. for a champagne reception and 10 to 11 p.m. for free Effen vodka and appetizers. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. $20 after 9 p.m. 937 N. Rush St. 312-255-0022.

FRI 2/11

Be a silly heart

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about serious romance and sober affirmations of love. Lighten up! Fizz Bar & Grill is getting ready for Love-O-Rama III, an annual V-Day extravaganza for lovers and friends. The party features interactive games, raffle prizes, a DJ, and all-you-can-drink drafts and wine from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Plus, get $3 cocktails. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $15-$20. Proceeds benefit The House Theatre. 3220 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-0596.

The doctor is in

Are you hopelessly flawed when it comes to love? If your longest relationship is a whopping two weeks, you're probably wondering what the hell is wrong with you. Unfortunately, we're not qualified to say, but here's someone who, um, is: Dr. Tony. Check out his show, "Pop Psychology" (billed as an "interactive relationship seminar musical"), in which he sings comedic songs about love, offers advice and even sets up dates for lonely folks like you! 8 p.m. Fridays through April 29. $15. Two-drink minimum. Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-278-1830.

SAT 1/12

Doggie day care

This V-Day, pamper the real love of your life: your pooch. The Paws for Heart Thoughts benefit party features 10-minute massage sessions for your dog as well as consultations with animal healers and "communicators" (find out why Fido won't stop chasing his tail), keepsake photos, gift bags, refreshments and even a book signing with Margaret Littman, author of "The Dog Lover's Companion to Chicago." 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $25 per dog. Proceeds benefit PAWS Chicago. Hotel Burnham Chicago, 1 W. Washington St. 312-751-5506.

Grape escapes

Looking to spice up your relationship? Take the winemaking dinner and seminar at Galleria Marchetti. First you'll eat Italian food and sample several wines. Then you'll learn about the winemaking process. Finally, you'll mix your own wine from a wine kit. The fermentation process takes about six to 10 weeks and must take place in a climate-controlled cellar, so you won't get to taste your concoction right away. Be patient! Once the process is complete, you'll have the option of bottling and labeling your wine or having it done for you. 4-7 p.m. $180 per couple, plus the cost of ingredients and supplies. Reservations required. 825 W. Erie St. 773-233-7579.